Welcome to LAAF!

Every day, millions of ordinary people exhibit extraordinary generosity. You and I are among them. Giving inspires our thoughts, reflects our beliefs, and fills our hearts. It brings meaning to our lives, channels gratitude for our blessings, and gives us hope for the future. We give because we want to touch the lives of others–and in the process, our own lives are forever enhanced.

As givers, we’re part of a democratic movement that embraces anyone with generosity. Givers come from a vast spectrum of professions, ages, religions, income brackets, backgrounds, and beliefs. It excludes no one. And even if we can’t donate financially, spontaneous gestures of kindness, strategic acts that promote social transformation, and productive hours of time are equally valuable gifts. It’s all about sharing expertise, expressing compassion, and translating values into positive change.

LAAF is here to help you make your giving—in any form or amount—have a bigger impact on both you and on the people whose lives you hope to improve or the problems you want to help solve. My hope is that the ideas, resources, knowledge, and tools presented in Giving 2.0: Transform Your Giving and Our World (Wiley/Jossey-Bass, October 25, 2011) and the LAAF blog and website will inspire, educate, and empower you on your giving journey. LAAF exists to help you become ambitious, innovative, and effective. For the bigger the impact you see through your giving, the more you’ll want to give.

The best part about giving is that its only limitation is your vision. So imagine what a cleaner, healthier, happier, more equitable world might look like and start taking steps to make it a beautiful reality. You can make tomorrow better—and you can start doing so today.